Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most
popular open spaces and covers a massive 800
acres, situated just six kilometres (four
miles) from Trafalgar Square. An island
of beautiful countryside, the magic of Hampstead
Heath lies not only in its rich mosaic of
flora and fauna and extensive recreational
facilities, but also in its proximity and
accessibility to millions of people.
Much of the area has been left wild, with
lots of woodland, but some parts have been
landscaped or set aside for sports. There
is a cricket field, a football (soccer) ground
and several bathing ponds available. The heath
is particularly popular with walkers as it
gives some great views across London, especially
from Parliament Hill and from Kenwood. And
at weekends the area is also a favourite spot
for kite flyers.
On the northern edge of the heath there is Kenwood
House. This house dates from the 17th century,
but was re-vamped in the 1760s for the Earl
of Mansfield. The last private owner of the
house was the Earl of Iveagh who was an avid
art lover and who had built up an extensive
collection of 17th and 18th century art. When
he died he bequeathed the collection to the
nation and it is now on public display in
Kenwood House. Highlights of the excellent
collection include pieces by Gainsborough,
Vermeer, Rembrandt and van Dyck.
